Outreach Activities – Communicating Cancer Research to the Public

The members of the Nanoscalic Systems group present their work and findings at different platforms, including Scientific Conferences, Open House Days and the Long Nights of Science. We welcome student groups on a regular basis and inform the public via press releases.

Stealth coatings for nanoparticles - the new press release highlighting our recent achievments in the biocompatibilisation of upconverting nanoparticles.

A recent communication in Angewandte Chemie by a team of international researchers from Monash University Australia and HZDR reports on a novel strategy for preparing hydrophilic upconverting nanoparticles by harnessing the photocrosslinking ability of diacetylenes.

PhD student Garima Singh, member of the working group “Nanoscalic Systems” at HZDR, presented her research topic at the DRESDEN-concept Science Slam and got first place on July 2, 2016! Garima talked about "cancer diagnosis by imaging agents" and earned thundering applause by the audience.

HZDR Open House Day 2016

Dr. Nadia Licciardello and Dr. Kristof Zarschler - two current members from the group of Dr. Holger Stephan - supervised a laboratory experiment during the HZDR Open House Day in May 2016. In their experiment, they demonstrated, how DNA can be easily isolated from fruits and vegetables and how the genetic material looks. Furthermore, they explained, which role our DNA plays in carcinogenesis and how the knowledge about a patient's DNA can be used in personalized medicine.

After receiving an invitation by Elsevier Connect, Karina Pombo Garcia, one of our PhD students, took the chance and published an article about science communication. Her contribution titled "Six ways scientists can become storytellers (and why they should)" was choosen as lead story and is now available online!

Helmholtz International Fellow Awardee visits Institute of Radio­pharma­ceutical Cancer Research

Prof. Dr. Leone Spiccia from Monash University Melbourne, who was awarded with the Helmholtz International Fellow Award last year, visits HZDR for a two-week research stay.

The current issue of the biannual HZDR Research Magazine "Entdeckt" (in German) and "Discovered" (in English) portrays NanoTracking's Marie Curie Fellow Dr. Manja Kubeil. She is currently working in the work groups of Prof. Dr. Leone Spiccia and Dr. Bim Graham at Monash University Melbourne. Down under she deals with the development of carbon monoxide releasing nanoparticles for tumor therapy.

Prof. Dr. Leone Spiccia from Monash University Melbourne is awared for his scientific excellence in the field of bioanorganic and material chemistry. He published more than 300 publications in top scientific journal such as Nature Chemistry,Angewandte Chemie or Advanced Materials. The award also includes invitations for flexible research periods at the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and Berlin.

In a recent publication, collaborating scientists from the Centre For BioNano Interactions (CBNI) in Dublin and HZDR describe the diagnostic targeting of a tumor biomarker using functionalized silica nanoparticles. With the help of camelid single-domain antibodies, the fabricated nanoparticles bind specifically to the EGF-receptor, which is overexpressed, mutated or deregulated in a variety of tumor entities.

Karina Pombo Garcia made it to the final of "FameLab Germany", 2014

After clinching third place at the science communication competition FameLab Saxony, Karina Pombo Garcia, one of our "NanoTracking" PhD students, got first place at FameLab Hessen on March 14, 2014 in Kassel! She talked about nanoparticles as a tool for a sophisticated, specific and effective cancer diagnosis and qualified for the FameLab Germany Final!

Watch her performance at the first and final round of FameLab Saxony on YouTube

Karina Pombo Garcia at Science Conference "Falling Walls Lab", 2013

PhD student Karina Pombo Garcia, member of the working group “Nanoscalic Systems” at HZDR, made it to the finals of the science conference Falling Walls Lab on November 8, 2013 in Berlin. She presented her research results on nanoparticles that combine all relevant elements to track tumour cells. This was supported by an A.T. Kearney fellowship.

HZDR Science Communication Award 2012 for animated short film

During the HZDR´s Annual Award Reception on February 28, 2013 Julia Hesse and Katrin Taetz (both member of the Helmholtz Virtual Institute "NanoTracking") received the HZDR Science Communication Award 2012. Their animated video on the topic “Biofunctionalized Nanoparticles and Their Application in Tumor Diagnostics“ was one of the ten best films at the short film festival “Nanospots”.

Kick-off for "NanoTracking"

In cooperation with national and international research teams, a new Helmholtz Virtual Institute "NanoTracking" has been founded. The project aims at developing tailor-made nanomaterials for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapies.

NanoTracking members at various events

Throughout the year, the Institute participates in a range of events that are open to the public, including "Dresden Long Night of Science" and "Open House Day". We welcome everybody to join interesting presentations and experiments about NanoTracking. Please check this site for new events as they are announced.